Slideshow: Wartime show proves a blast for thousands

The Yorkshire Wartime Experience, in Hunsworth Lane, boasted 401 authentic military vehicles and 70 re-enactment groups.

It featured huge battle simulations in purpose-built trenches and a Dakota fly-past to commemorate the Battle of Britain.

Organiser Stuart Wright said: “It was a massive, massive success.

“People were mesmerised. We had many people come on the Saturday and then decide to come back on the Sunday.”

Stuart also spoke of the moment his crew made a “dream come true” for a seven-year-old boy with a terminal illness. Desperate to have a ride in a tank, they arranged for him to go in the largest one on show.

Stuart said: “It was extremely emotional.”

This was the first year the event included camping and visitors came from Finland, Germany, Holland and Belgium, said Stuart.

Pupils from eight schools attended, including those from East Bierley, Whitechapel Church of England and Birkenshaw primary schools.